Job Description
Job ID: 35696
Agency: Unified Judicial System, State Court Administrator's Office
Location: Statewide, preference in Pierre, Sioux Falls, or Rapid City (Please note your location preference on your application)
Salary: $86,672.88 to $91,015.92/annually; depending on experience
Closing date: May 11, 2026
For more information on the Unified Judicial System, please visit http://ujs.sd.gov .
The Unified Judicial System (UJS) is dedicated to providing a fair, impartial, and accessible court system that upholds the rule of law and is worthy of the public's trust and confidence. Our vision is justice for all.
Our employees are our most valuable resource and crucial to accomplishing our mission. We seek talented and motivated individuals to be the face of the court system and help ensure that the Court and all the people that come before it receives the highest level of service. Our dedicated staff work to enhance community safety and ensure victims' rights while treating all individuals with dignity and respect.
The UJS offers a comprehensive benefits package consisting of 11-13 paid holidays every year, extensive sick and vacation leave, paid family leave, military training leave, health and flexible benefits, regular working hours, continuing education opportunities, retirement benefits, a great working environment, and more.
Position Purpose:
Provides timely, accurate, consistent, and reliable statewide leadership and oversight, advice, information, and analysis of juvenile justice and children and family service programs within the Unified Judicial System (UJS). This position directs policy development, program implementation, and quality assurance efforts related to juvenile diversion, probation, reentry, and coordination with tribal and family service partners; and ensures that juvenile and children and family programs are evidence-based, data-driven, and aligned with UJS policies, statutory requirements, and national standards.
Duties may include:
- Overseeing the development, guidance, and implementation of policies and procedures of statewide juvenile diversion programs, probation services, and reentry initiatives to ensure consistent statewide implementation, adherence to evidence-based practices, and program success.
- Managing the development, implementation, and coordination of emerging adult initiatives and programs, including supervision of probationers, to improve engagement and outcomes.
- Overseeing the Children & Tribal Services Coordinator to ensure successful Court Improvement Program grant administration, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory compliance; and tribal initiatives.
- Developing, implementing, and maintaining policies, procedures, and standards for juvenile court services.
- Supervising staff to strengthen youth-focused programming and system integration.
- Directing and utilizing analytical support to monitor data trends, evaluate program outcomes, and assess fidelity to evidence-based interventions.
- Partnering with state agencies to enhance coordination of services for youth with behavioral health or substance use needs.
- Overseeing training development and provides guidance and technical assistance to juvenile court personnel statewide.
- Serving as the primary liaison to tribal courts, tribal justice partners, and community-based youth service agencies.
- Advising UJS leadership on emerging issues in juvenile justice and recommends improvements in program design, policy, and resource allocation.
- Serving as the Commissioner for the statewide juvenile probation and Department of Corrections parole on juvenile interstate matters.
- Performing other work as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public administration, behavioral sciences, or a related preferred. Three (3) years of experience in juvenile justice or court administration, including program management, coordination, or probation/supervision; or an equivalent combination of related education and experience.
Preference will be given to successful completion of the Court Executive Development Program (CEDP) through the National Center for State Courts.
Successful completion of a criminal background investigation is required for employment.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
- juvenile justice systems, diversion programs, probation practices, and family-centered interventions;
- UJS policies, procedures, and processes;
- budgeting fundamentals;
- supervisory and leadership techniques and tools;
- evidence-based juvenile interventions and program evaluation principles.
Ability to:
- lead collaborative, cross-program initiatives;
- develop and provide public presentations and training;
- effectively manage highly stressful situations and remain patient and calm;
- act as a liaison with other courts, executive branch, tribal entities, and outside entities to build networks and consensus and foster collaborative relationships;
- maintain confidentiality of personnel issues and records;
- analyze data and apply findings to policy and program improvement.
Skill in:
- communication, both oral and written;
- leadership;
- organizational and time management;
- critical thinking;
- stakeholder engagement.
The State of South Dakota, Unified Judicial System does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The Unified Judicial System as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.
You may view our benefits information at https://ujs.sd.gov/media/gbtinrye/come_work_for_us.pdf .
Apply at: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=3W8
Unified Judicial System
500 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501-5070
Phone: 605.773.4884
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
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